In My Mailbox (21)

**Thanks to The Story Siren for hosting IMM**

"In My Mailbox" is a weekly meme that spotlights the new books you received for review, swapped, or bought!  Here are the books I got this week!

Bought:
Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
Jonas (Beautiful Dead #1) by Eden Maguire

*Carrie Ryan sent me some goodies along with the swag for my contest!  I got a bookplate that she personalized for me, along with a The Dead-Tossed Waves postcard that she wrote a little note on,  a DTW sticker, bookmark, magnet and business card.  She also signed my book and a copy of The Forest of Hands and Teeth for my giveaway.  Thanks Carrie!  She just went on tour for the release of her book, so go to her website (www.carrieryan.com) and see if she is going to be near you!

Swapped:
Witch and Wizard by James Patterson


**Now you know what I got!  What did you get?

The Friday 56

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

I followed the rules and grabbed the CLOSEST book to me while typing this.  I have stacks of books on my table right now because I am doing research for a book (I am taking the leap!).  I am brushing up on my ancient Egyptian mythology and archaeological history.  Sounds pretty serious...huh!  Aside from my teaching degree, I do have a degree in anthropology/archaeology and I figured that I could use that part of my past as the back drop for an adventure through the Great Pyramids that will include Egyptian Gods and Goddesses, romance, danger, and who knows what else!  I am still trying to figure everything out plot-wise and I am so afraid that it's going to take me ten years to write it- but I am gonna do it!!!  Anyway.. here is my Friday 56!

"All of this meant to Carter that Tutankhamun (King Tut)  had not vanished off the face of the Earth, but had never been found."

Taken from page 56 of Tutankhamun: The Untold Story by Thomas Hoving

MEGA Swag and More Giveaway!!

I am SO excited about FINALLY being able to get this giveaway up and running!  I wanted to wait until I had received most of the goodies I was expecting.  That way I could entice you with pictures of bright, shiny bookmarks, stickers, pins, magnets, and other various swaggish items! Oh yeah... did I forget to mention there are also brand spanking new SIGNED books too!!  I am still expecting some items that haven't arrived to me at post time, but I will list them below and add pictures later.  I am also happy to add new items to the prize pile if any authors want to join in the fun!  Just go to "Contact" in the nav bar and let me know that you are interested!  Now on to the goodies!!

So here is what's in the 'prize pile':

• ** Contest has been updated and will now include a "Vampire Academy"  prize pack that contains the first two books in this incredible series by Richelle Mead!** 
• Signed paperback copy of The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan!! 
• Bookmarks featuring the new paperback cover of The Forest of Hands and Teeth and bookmarks featuring the original hardback cover (1 signed!)
• Bookmarks, stickers, magnet, calendar magnet, business card featuring The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
• Bookplates signed by Carrie Ryan
• Signed paperback copy of The Pace by Shelena Shorts, adorable stuffed koala bear (you have to read the book to find out why it is significant!),  signed bookplate, 2 cute 'Weston' pins, and signed bookmarks
• Two exclusive preview booklets of FANG by James Patterson and FANG temporary tattoos
• Two exclusive preview booklet of Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, Reading Group Guides, and Beautiful Creatures 'dogtag' necklace
• Soccer stress balls featuring Change Of Heart by Shari Maurer
• Signed audiobook of Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zink and bookmarks!
• Paperback copy of Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr with Summer and Winter 'Court Bands' (bracelets) 
• Paperback copy of Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr with Ink Exchange temporary tattoo and a Solitary 'Court Band'
• The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting signed posters and bookmarks, stickers(2 styles), and tote bag
• Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus bookmarks (some are signed), magnets and pins
• Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White bookmarks (signed and unsigned), temporary tattoos, postcards, and pins
• Arson by Estevan Vega signed poster (full-size)
• Mistwood by Leah Cypess bookmarks
• Nice And Mean by Jessica Leader signed bookmarks
• The Mark by Jen Nadol signed bookmarks
• Everlasting by Angie Frazier signed bookmarks and pins (2 styles)
• Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia bookmarks, stickers, bookplate, business cards, Octagram card
• Sea by Heidi Kling swag goodies (on the way.. post pics soon!)

So that's what I have so far!  Pretty swagalicious contest... right?!!  You may be wondering how I plan to break down the prize pile?  Well.... prizes will fall into one of two categories (swag bag or prize pack).  Swag bags will contain a mixture of various swag items from the pile.  Near the close of the giveaway I will update this post and give specific contents of each swag bag.  I figured that since I haven't received everything yet and more authors may add to the pile, it would be easier to wait!  The second type of prize will be a "Prize Pack".  So far these are the prize packs (subject to change if more goodies come in!):

1. The Forest of Hands and Teeth Prize Pack - contents: Signed paperback copy of The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan, 1 bookmark featuring hardback cover, 1 bookmark featuring new paperback cover, 1 The Dead-Tossed Waves sticker and 1 The Dead-Tossed Waves bookmark, 1 author business card featuring image of The Dead-Tossed Waves
2. The Pace Prize Pack- contents: Signed paperback copy of The Pace by Shelena Shorts, stuffed koala bear, 'Weston' pin and signed bookmark
3. Ink Exchange Prize Pack- contents: Paperback copy of Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr,  Ink Exchange temporary tattoo, "Solitary" court band (bracelet)
4. Wicked Lovely Prize Pack- contents: Paperback copy of Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr, "Summer Court" court band and "Winter Court" court band (bracelets)
5. Prophecy Of The Sisters Prize Pack- contents: Signed audiobook of The Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zink, bookmark

A BIG thank you to all of the awesome authors that contributed to the giveaway!  You guys are the best!!  Entering the giveaway is easy! Just fill out the form below and then leave a comment on this post.  You must be a follower to enter.  This giveaway is open internationally and will end on May 1st at 12:00pm (noon).  Thanks everyone!!!

In My Mailbox (20)

**Thanks to The Story Siren for hosting IMM**

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme that spotlights the new books you received for review, swapped, or bought!  Here are the books I got this week!

Bought:

Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld
Succubus Nights by Richelle Mead 

Swapped:

Brightly Woven (arc)by Alexandra Bracken 
Hourglass, Evernight #3 (arc)by Claudia Gray 
Give Up The Ghost (arc)by Megan Crewe 

*Now you know what I got!  What did you get? 

Update!

Hi Guys!  I just wanted to apologize for my lack of posts this week.  I had the dreaded stomach virus..UGHH!  I am also busy organizing my MEGA-Swag Contest!  I have received most of the goodies that I have been expecting and the other stuff will be here before the contest closes.  I am so excited to get this contest up and running!  Hopefully I will be able to get it posted by Monday.  Here is just a little sample of some of the swag up for grabs: ("Prophecy of the Sisters" signed audiobook/bookmarks), ("The Body Finder" tote bag,stickers,bookmarks,signed posters), (signed copy of "The Pace", stuffed koala bear with Weston pins!, signed book plate, signed bookmarks), (copies of "Wicked Lovely" and "Ink Exchange", Court Bands(bracelets), temporary "Ink Exchange" tattoo), (Shadow Hills signed bookmarks/pins/magnets), (Forget-Her-Nots tattoos, pins, postcards, bookmarks) (Beautiful Creatures 'dogtag' necklace, reading group guides, sneak peek booklets), (Change of Heart soccer stress balls), (Angel Star goodies), (The Forest of Hands and Teeth signed bookmarks), and MUCH more!! Check back soon for a complete list/pics of what is in the 'prize pile'!  Thanks again to all of the authors that have generously donated goodies!  If any author is interested in adding goodies to the prize pile let me know!  I would love to include you!!

Waiting On Wednesday

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking The Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Thirteen Days to Midnight
Written by Patrick Carmen
Release Date: April 12, 2010
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Summary from Goodreads:
"When Jacob’s foster father whispers, “You are indestructible” seconds before dying in a car crash that should’ve killed them both, Jacob never imagines he could possess a real superpower. To test it Jacob and his friends start indulging comic book-like fantasies. Later, they commit to use this amazing power of indestructibility to do good in the world and save others from death. But how do they decide who to save? And what happens when they blur the lines of life and death, right and wrong, and good and evil? Thirteen Days to Midnight is a nail-biting tale of dark intrigue, powerful romance, friendship and adventure."


Guardian of the Gate
Written by Michelle Zink
Release Date: August 1, 2010
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Summary from Goodreads:
"The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.

Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing."



*The cover was released today, as well as the new paperback cover of Prophecy of the Sisters!  I think they are beautiful, but I don't think that they have the same 'feel' as the the hardcover of Prophecy of the Sisters.  What do you think??

Now you know what I am waiting for!  What are you waiting on?

A Chat with Kimberly Derting, Author of The Body Finder

I would like to thank Kimberly Derting for joining me and for being my first interview!!  She is one of the "Tenners" and her debut novel The Body Finder is due out this month!! (March 16, 2010)  I am so excited about reading this book! I am also happy to announce that she has been very generous to me for my MEGA-Swag contest!  She donated LOTS of goodies for you guys to win!  I will be posting that contest within the next week or so!! So be on the lookout.  So now lets get on with the interview!!

1.   In your book The Body Finder, the main character Violet has the unusual ability of being able to sense and find dead bodies.  How did the idea for this book take shape and have you met any 'real' people with psychic abilities (not necessarily like Violet's) that served as inspiration for her character?

My husband and I were brainstorming book ideas one day when he threw out a random idea about a boy who could find dead bodies.   So of course I immediately changed the main character to a teenage girl (probably just to be difficult) and created Violet’s creepy ability.
...And is looking for your keys in the same drawer three times without seeing them a psychic ability?  If so, my husband totally has that one!              

2. Was your road to the publication of The Body Finder difficult?

With The Body Finder, things happened really fast!  I met my agent at a conference, sent her my manuscript, she signed me, we went out on submission and had offers all within a two-month span.  But before this whirlwind, I had plenty of rejections for another manuscript I’d written.            

3. While writing, do you have any essentials that you must have with you?

Other than my laptop and comfy pair of sweatpants, I really need my candy stash (which is getting harder and harder to hide from my kids).

4. How long did it take for you to write The Body Finder?

I think the first draft took about four months to write.  After that, I went through two months of self-editing before submitting it to my agent.  When I look back at my first draft, I don’t even recognize it now.  Thankfully, my lovely editors at HarperCollins (FJ and GH) helped me polish it into something I’m incredibly proud of.       

5. What is the easiest part of writing a book, what is the hardest?

The easiest part of writing is when you get into that zone and everything is coming together perfectly.  It’s seriously like a runner’s high!  The hardest part is always trying to find enough time to write.       

6. What is your all-time favorite book?

This is easy, To Kill A Mockingbird, hands down the best book ever written.  I re-read it every once in a while to remind myself of what true mastery looks like.

7. What are you reading now? And what books are on your immediate to-read list?

Right now I’m reading The Deathday Letter by Shaun Hutchinson (a fellow Tenner), and it’s awesome…very darkly humorous.  On my immediate list is another Tenner book, The Dark Days Of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk, Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr (because I’ve heard it’s amazing!), and The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan.  And only about a gazillion others!

8. The sequel (Desires Of The Dead) is due out next year.  Are you finished with this book? Do you have any other projects on the horizon that you would like to share with us?

Other than a few minor edits, I’m completely finished with Desires of the Dead.  I do have another project I’m working on but I’m crazy-superstitious so I can’t share anything about it just yet. 

9. What is your favorite activity that you do for fun?

If you’d asked me this question five years ago, camping wouldn’t even have made my top ten, because in reality, I’m simply NOT that girl.  But ever since we got a travel trailer (where I can take a shower and plug in my hair dryer), it’s probably my favorite activity!  We love trapping….err….taking the kids with us for a weekend of campfires, roasted marshmallows, and unplugging from the internet.      

10. What is your favorite word?

Son-of-a-Nutcracker!  (I know, it’s not really one word, but it’s my favorite non-swear swear-word)

11. If you could jump into a book and live for a day- what book would you choose and which characters would you choose to hang out with?

I would totally choose Green Eggs and Ham. Before you judge me, I dare you to show me another book where the two main characters do so many crazy things before having a huge breakfast! (And, btw, I LOVE breakfast!)    

I decided to do something a little different.  I LOVE MadLibs (yes, I know that I am probably too old to say that... but I do!)  So I wrote a short MAdLib about Kimberly's book.  I sent her the list of word types I needed and this is how it turned out!

The Body Finder MadLib

• Your Name: Kimberly Derting
• Title of your book: The Body Finder
• Adjective: Kissable
• Adjective: Stinky
• Adjective: Funny
• Noun: Pina Colada
• Verb(ing): Dancing
• Noun: Coconut
• Adverb: Extremely 

Kimberly Derting is the author of The Body Finder.  The kissable main character in the book has a stinky talent.  She can sense dead bodies!  Unfortunately, a funny serial killer is on the loose and she is the only pina colada who can help!  This book will have you dancing on the edge of your coconut and turning the pages through the night.  So go pick up this extremely exciting book by Kimberly Derting!  It hits shelves on March 16, 2010!!

Thanks again to Kimberly Derting for stopping by!  Make sure that you pick up her book The Body Finder when it hits bookstores on March 16, 2010!!